New Poll Shows Incumbent Congressman Garrett Barely Ahead in NJ-5

A poll new shows that incumbent Republican Congressman Scott Garett is leading his Democratic Challenger Josh Gottheimer by only two points in an initial congressional ballot in the competitive fifth congressional district race (46 percent to 44 percent).

The survey polled 400 likely voters. It found that Garrett has a split approval rating with 40 percent expressing favorable views and 39 percent unfavorable. Additionally, 53 percent of voters agreed that Garrett “puts his own beliefs ahead of the people he represents,” 47 percent say he is “out of step with New Jersey” and 45 percent believe he “wants to turn back the clock on social issues.”

The poll also touched upon the presidential race, citing that though President Barack Obama lost the district twice, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently polling 3 points ahead of Republican Donald Trump in a four-way matchup (43 to 40 percent).

The poll was conducted by Gerstein, Bocian, Agne Strategies and was commissioned by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

While the polls show a narrowing margin between the two candidates, Garrett has managed to stave off past challenges and come out favorably in the Republican-leaning district.